Not Your Standard

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Not Your Standard is a fashion, lifestyle, food and decor blog by fashion blogger Kayla Seah. Her flare and minimalistic approach to design and style is what draws in her audience and makes her looks achievable.

I love this white leather mini skirt but I didn't want it to come off to boujee as some would say. My rule to avoid something like that is, if you have one sexy piece in your outfit balance it with something completely opposite and causal. An oversized graphic tee, tones down the tight white mini and most importantly keeps me feeling like myself!

I checked into Hotel Adele & Jules which is a lovely boutique hotel that I highly recommend for anyone looking for a charming little spot in a great area! Try to book a room with a balcony, it made all the difference for photos and space. I originally wanted to stay at The Hoxton Paris but they were all booked up, so this cute spot came in a close second and was only a 5 min walk from The Hoxton which is where we often had breakfast.

Jet lag hit me harder than usual and I was really out of it for the first couple of days. Going to bed at 9 pm, waking up at 2 am, I literally attempted working out at 4 am one day! I had to come back in between meetings and shows to lay down a couple of times so I could feel like a real person for the rest of the day. Over all not the best way to start, but luckily by day three I was getting back on track and the 6 am mornings were much better than 2 am ones.

Guillaume had to stay back for work so he arrived a few days after me and it was kinda perfect timing because I finally had my energy back up by then. We took half a day off and walked around, shooting pictures, cafe hopping and attempting to stay warm wherever we could. We lunched at Cafe Charlot, my go-to spot in Paris and then went to the Off White x Byredo presentation.

I mixed in this Acne hoodie with a structured Sosken blazer, which to me in the epitome of my style. The mix of something dressy with something casual is always a great style rule to stick to in my opinion. It was an easy day time look to play tourist in while also being appropriate for my fashion week appointments.

We finished off the evening at Cafe Ruc ( a classic french bistro) with 15 of our friends, sipping wine and catching up about the industry, personal life and the instagram algorithm. It was the start of a wonderful and chaotic week and I couldn't help but smile at all my surroundings, people included.

My entire life, I have battled the dark circles I have under my eyes which manage to somehow get darker when I travel. The Chanel Blue Eye Serum helps decrease the darkness while also treating the fine lines. I find it also really help with puffiness after long nights or flights.

I have to say I'm starting to really like the entire range of Goop products, the exfoliating mask has become a new weekly routine but the night cream is my number one. It targets and treats all areas of the face and was the winner of the Allure 2017 Best of Beauty Award. This cream helps bring back elasticity to my face and brighten my skin overnight. It smells really fresh too!

I've tried a lot of dry shampoos over the years and besides the Bumble & Bumble one, Oribe's is a new obsession. The formula is lightweight and makes my hair smell amazing. It really disappears nicely into you hair, not leaving any sort of white film on your roots. It's my go-to when I'm travelling because when I'm not working out every day, I tend to extend that hair life as long as possible.

This convenient little kit is great to travel with - its has a a shampoo and conditioner that hydrates and repairs the dryness in my hair from airplanes. I usually don't like hotel's shampoo or conditioner, so bringing this a long is a safe bet for me, plus it includes a hair mask as well.

I've discussed the love I have for Charlotte Tilbury's magic cream in a recent beauty post here, however I recently picked up the travel trilogy skin care set which is great for travelling because it also contains the night and eye cream. They are all so hydrating and I notice a huge difference the second my skin soaks them up.

The one product I would want for the rest of my life. If you've been keeping up with my beauty posts, then you would have also seen this serum pop up a few times. It's simply one I cannot leave off any skincare list, this serum helps reduce any redness in my face and protects my skin for the day ahead. The best thing though, is how instantly it brightens my face!

This is my 4th time attending a Zimmerman show and I felt it would be rude of me not to wear one of their designs! I opted to go with this paisley sheer navy dress, since it was true love the moment I tried it on. It also seemed appropriate for the time of year and paired well with a blazer and boots, which shows you how versatile their pieces can be.

As you know by know, my motto is 'it's all in the details' and Zimmerman exudes that philosophy to perfection. The billowing sleeves is what sold me on this dress, it adds that extra something to the silhouette and matches the fluted hem gorgeously.

As I took my seat at the show, my excitement highten and I couldn't wait to see what Nicky Zimmerman had in store for us. It was evident as soon as the first look walked down the runway that this season was not going to disappoint. She took reference to the romantic, adventurous equestrians of the Victorian era with a muted, earthy floral color palette.

The American west theme slipped into the details of each outfit, with leather belts, white cowboy boots and wide brim hats. It was a refreshing and modern take for Zimmerman, with references to the classics. I walked out with a fashion high and I already can't wait to get my hands on a piece from this collection. I think I've convinced myself to start collecting Zimmerman pieces each seasons, as they are pieces of art to me - seems logical, no?

The comparison at fashion week is a quite a natural thing that happens, it's almost unavoidable considering the circumstances you are in, which is why it's so important to be ready and learn how to deal with it! This time of year social media is even more heighten for me than usual, I'm constantly seeing what everyone is doing at all times within the industry and the comparison game can start to play with your head. You begin worrying about what invites someone else has that you don't, wondering if your outfits are even good enough, wondering why you didn't get stopped by streetstyle photographers that day and worrying why you are seated in second row in stead of first for this show? The questions and worries start to pile up and they can really take over if you let them.

I have to admit, there was a part of me that use to think about all the above, especially when I was in my early years of running the blog. However, I felt like this year was one of my best seasons yet and I truly believe it's because I stopped comparing myself, instead I was confident in where I was and what I was accomplishing. I started focusing within and being the best version of myself I could be at fashion week. I started wearing exactly what I wanted to wear and not what I thought would grab attention, I paid attention to every show and the details of each piece coming down the runway. I took the little free time I did have and enjoyed good dinners with friends in the city. Lastly, I felt like I didn't need to attend every party I was invited to, avoiding unnecessary alcohol and instead I woke up with a clear head, ready for early morning shoots before my day started.

As soon as my attitude changed, my experience did. I was proud to see what my fellow blogger friends were accomplishing, myself included. I took a step back this season to slow it down a bit and work really hard creatively on the things that did excite me and that made all the difference.

First off, I can't even tell you how many black boots I have, they are a timeless piece to me that I can wear with pretty much everything, so let's just say my collection runs deep. However, lately I've been on the hunt for something a little different and that's when these perfect white boots come into play.

After wearing them on Day 2 of NYFW with this asymmetrical Hellessy skirt, I was white boot hooked! I swear I kept wanting to pair them with everything, I love the fresh contrast it adds to a dark outfit and it gives you that perfect fashion forward edge.

These particular ones from Sigerson Morrison, are a little slouchy in style and will work well with skinny jeans, summer dresses and almost all skirts! Definitely a good buy for the current and coming seasons.

After a full day of shows and presentations, I headed back to my hotel room where a Tom Ford make up artist came to do my make up for the evening show. We went with a bronzy, fresh look that focused mostly on skin. I honestly never like when anyone does my makeup but this time I was proven completely wrong, not only did I love my look, I also learned so much more about the quality of their make up and fell in love with so many of their products:

Now on to the actual show, as soon as it started you could feel the power of the women fill the room. Strong tailored power suits and jackets monetized most of the runway, with bold metallic accessories, acid colours and leopard print. Each piece was vibrant yet classy and had me quite content with my decision to wear a strong statement jacket to the show!

Show's like this give me adrenaline and energy for the rest of the week and reminds me of why I love working in this industry!

The minute we were boarded and settled, the champagne started flowing and the gourmet food starting coming out. I think at one point I was just over eating because I didn't want to waste anything! The smooth ride over the ocean was breathtaking and the service made everything that more comfortable.

For someone who travels often, the luxury of a private plane is something to hopefully one day attain. Skipping airport lines, no crowds, confined seating, no one getting you sick or dealing with rude service...we've all been there and NetJets is everything but this. NetJets was the first private aviation company, which created the platform for fractional ownership. I may be dreaming big here, but if I'm ever fortunate enough to buy some shares in this company, I definitely won't be having buyer's remorse.